Abstract - BIOTIN INTERFERENCE IN IMMUNOASSAYS

Agnieszka Maliszewska, PhD

Siemens Healthineers Singapore

Biotin also known as vitamin H or coenzyme R, is a water-soluble B-vitamin (B7). Biotin is a coenzyme for carboxylase enzymes, involved in the synthesis of fatty acids, isoleucine, and valine, and in gluconeogenesis. Over-the-counter (OTC) biotin supplement use has increased due to purported nutritional and health benefits. High dose biotin therapies have historically been recommended for rare inborn errors of metabolism and mitochondrial energy disorders, and more recently, shown encouraging results for treating progressive multiple sclerosis.

Recent reports in the literature have highlighted susceptibility to biotin interference for a broad range of tests, specifically those incorporating avidin or streptavidin-biotin complex in its assay architecture. Multiple manufacturers use a streptavidin-biotin complex in many of their immunoassays. Advantages of this complex include the high binding affinity and its adaptability for binding antigen or antibody.

With the growing awareness regarding the evolving use of biotin and the potential for biotin interference, laboratory professionals and clinicians should be aware of and understand the differing susceptibilities between assay architectures and consider mitigation to minimize any potential patient impact.